Frequently purchased together

Along with MSR's quickly-becoming-legendary 360-degree traction system and easy-peasy SpeedLock Comfort bindings, the MSR Men's Lightning Axis Snowshoe features the Axis Gait Efficiency System. This system adjusts to your extra-wonky walk to make snowshoeing as natural as strolling down the beach.

Durable frame made from aircraft aluminum features 360-degree traction for supreme grip over challenging technical terrain

Pivot Crampon shares a rotating hinge with your binding to provide secure traction regardless of your foot position or the angle of terrain

Bilateral binding adjustment neutralizes variances in foot positions to give you the most natural-feeling stride possible

Here's what others have to say...

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Some good and some bad design features.

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

First, I like the binding that you adjust once and then enter or exit the snowshoe using the rear binding strap and I like the all direction traction given by the the edge crampons. BUT, THE BILATERAL BINDING ADJUSTMENT IS A VERY POOR DESIGN. IT DOES NOT POSITIVELY LOCK IN PLACE.. IT CHANGES POSITION WHILE I'M SNOWSHOEING AND THE FRONTS OF BOTH SNOWSHOES SEEM TO WANT TO ROTATE INWARDS AND THE TIPS CROSS CAUSING ME TO LOSE MY BALANCE. I CAN'T BELEIVE MSR DID MUCH TESTING WITH THIS DESIGN. I WOULD HAVE PREFERRED A ONE TIME SCREW DOWN ADJUSTMENT TO THE UNRELIABLE QUICK ADJUSTMENT FEATURE PROVIDED.

Has anyone tried running in these? How do...

I have used these and the Lightning Ascent on numerous accasions and they can take a higher cadence for sure. The truth is that the EVO models being more flexible will probably handle long running better than the lightning series, but in terms of weight they are actually pretty much the same. The binding holds up well and the pivot works very well when I run in them. If you are running a lot in your snowshoes I would favor something like the EVO or possibly the Lightning Flash. However, if you want the extra traction the lightnings provide and want the ascending bar, but also want to be able to run on occasion, this shoe will work great for you.

Have an answer for Malevolence?

Buy The Best!

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

You owe it to yourself to get a pair of great snowshoes. For me, living in NJ, getting snow is a big event for us. Knowing that you only may use them 10X per Season is definitely a factor. That said, you want something that can stand up to the rigors of snow, ice, and steep climbs. The crampon is super sharp and the frame is serrated, allowing you to lock into ice with command and control. I found that the size, the 25", were perfect for me (170lbs) and provided enough float. I got these and immediately drove to the Catskills, hiked Indian Head and Twin with ease. Highly recommended.

Comment on Brian Reilly's review »

MSR Lightning Axis

Comment on Backcountry Video's video »

Awesome

In the brief amount of time that I have had these, they have been awesome. The SpeedLock bindings are super easy to set inside, and quick to put on outside. And while they are on, they are very secure. I have had buddies comment on how quick and secure they look. Good grip and floatation. Great snowshoe!

Have an answer for evap426608?

Solid pair of snowshoes

I've had these for going on two years and they've been my go-to shoe for all of my winter excursions. They work well on pretty steep ice/snow where crampons aren't necessarily warranted and equally well on flat terrain where all you're looking for is to stay above the snow. The SpeedLock binding is really convenient. Set the binding to your boots beforehand (2 minutes), then it is one less set of snap-in straps to put on with cold fingers at the trail head. The binding is basically the difference between these and the Lightning Ascents. A bit pricier and heavier than the Evo's, but worth it in my opinion.

Note: You'll definitely need the tails in really soft, deep powder otherwise you will essentially be post holing with bigger, more awkward feet. This is true for all snowshoes, though.

I dont think these have tails like the plastic cousins. At least mine don't, they are all tough aluminum. I use 30in shoes, im 6'7"and weigh 240 plus a 40 lb pack and they dont post hole on my in deep powder.

The edge is bombproof. Far stronger than the standard aluminum tubing. I have the Lightning Ascents (same except for the binding) and have put them through treatment normal snowshoes wouldn't survive. It is like having a crampon all the way around.